SLAPPS (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation), well known in the USA, are on the increase in the United Kingdom. SLAPPS are court actions taken by powerful or wealthy individuals or organizations against ordinary people who seek to express their views and to take part in the decision-making processes which affects their lives. Their effect is menat to 'chill' through legal intimidation -- to stop the critics and end the debates. A steady growth of SLAPPS has occured where government and business see their interests being threatened by those who dare to rock the boat. The court case...